Stains
How to remove rust stains
Rust on fabric is mineral, not dirt. Lemon or citric acid beats chlorine here — bleach can even set the stain.
Recipes for rust on different materials
RustCotton
Rust on Cotton — How to Get It Out
Rust stains on white cotton clothes come out with lemon juice and salt, followed by a hot wash. Cotton is sturdy enough to handle acidic treatments and high heat, which together break down iron oxide. This method works on fresh rust marks and older stains that have already set.
RustLinen
Rust Stains on White Linen Clothes — How to Remove
Rust stains on white linen clothes come out best with lemon juice and salt, which dissolve the iron oxide without harsh scrubbing that can damage the fibers. Linen is strong when wet, so you can treat rust aggressively as long as you avoid bleach, which weakens the fabric and can yellow white clothes. Fresh rust lifts faster, but even old orange stains respond to repeated acid treatment.
RustPolyester
Rust on Polyester — How to Get It Out
Rust stains on white polyester clothes come out best with lemon juice and sunlight, a gentle acid treatment that won't damage synthetic fibers. Polyester is durable and heat-tolerant, but rust needs acid to dissolve the iron oxide before you wash. This method works on fresh and set-in rust without bleach, which can yellow white polyester over time.